A 61-mile stretch of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail runs through Haywood County. The county section is Segment 2 and is named “The Balsams.” Hiking is therefore a prominent part of what visitors can discover, along with the county’s individual trails and nature and cultural experiences.
Hiking Trails and Elevation Highlights
Access to the trail at Graveyard Fields is via the Graveyard Fields Overlook at milepost 418.8 on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Parking availability and conditions on the Parkway can vary; check before your visit.
At Richland Balsam, a self-guided trail passes through a protected spruce-fir forest. The Richland Balsam parking-area overlook sits at 6,050 feet, the highest point on the Parkway. At Waterrock Knob, the Waterrock Knob Trail begins at the Parkway’s highest visitor center, which is at 5,820 feet. These figures refer to different points of reference: the highest point on the Parkway and the elevation of its highest visitor center.
Nature, Cycling and Water
Cataloochee is home to one of the two large elk herds in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Another natural attraction is Chestnut Mountain Nature Park: it covers 450 acres and has 9 miles of mountain biking trails. The acreage describes the size of the park, while the trail mileage gives mountain bikers a specific point of reference.
There are different ways to enjoy the water, too. Visitors can rent canoes, kayaks and stand-up paddleboards from Lake Junaluska Outfitters. Sunburst Swimming Hole has two main swimming areas; the water comes from the surrounding mountains. Rentals for on-the-water activities and two designated swimming areas offer different ways to enjoy the water.
History, Engineering and Encounters
Historic buildings in Cataloochee Valley, including Beech Grove School, Palmer Chapel and numerous wood-frame houses, have been preserved and are open for visitors to see. Shelton House was built in 1875 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Another collection can be found at Wheels Through Time Museum, which houses more than 300 rare machines.
The Haywood County Quilt Trail can be explored using a printed guide and public county roads. Winchester Creek Farm offers 45-minute educational tours where visitors can meet alpacas and a variety of small farm animals. Tours can be booked. These experiences range from historic buildings and a collection of machines to a guided encounter with farm animals.
Winter Sports and Trip Planning
Cataloochee Ski Area has 18 slopes across 50 skiable acres: eight for beginners, seven for intermediates and three for advanced to expert skiers. Ski lessons are available at the Snowsports Center; the ski area also offers an adaptive skiing program for adults and children with disabilities. Operations and conditions are seasonal and vary. Before you travel, check whether the offerings are available on your dates.
Haywood County can be reached by car or plane. If you’re looking for a hotel in Haywood County, you might first consider whether hiking, culture or seasonal winter sports will be the focus of your trip.
Discover more destinations: Waynesville, Maggie Valley, Alleghany County, Carteret County, Onslow County, Richmond County, Robeson County, Montgomery County.
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